If you want a friendship bracelet that looks bright, neat, and a little bit magical, the candy stripe pattern is the one I always come back to. It’s the classic diagonal stripe, the one that looks great in school colors, summer brights, or soft pastels, and it’s honestly so satisfying once you see those stripes stack up.

I love this pattern because it’s so brainless and calming to make. You get into a rhythm, your hands stay busy, and the bracelet starts to look “real” pretty fast. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, so it’s a sweet win if you’re helping a kid learn. In fact, I consider it to be one of the foundational friendship bracelets for beginners, alongside the spiral (Chinese Staircase) friendship bracelet.

In this guide, you’ll get simple options for colors, sizing tips that actually help, and clear instructions to carry you through, from your first knot to your final tie. Keep it relaxed, your first one doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours.

Since the goal of this post is to teach you everything you need to know about making and designing the candy stripe friendship bracelet, it got a big long. So I decided to include a table of contents so that you can find your answers quicker.

What a Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet Is (and Why It’s So Popular)

What is the candy stripe pattern?

The Candy Stripe friendship bracelet pattern is very simple: form diagonal stripes by repeating the same knot direction across the row. You’re knotting stripes – the diagonal line forms naturally, as you knot and the level of the knots go down.

With the candy stripe friendship bracelet, you get a clean, bold look even with simple color choices. It’s really hard to get wrong. It works in 2 colors, rainbow, or ombré color schemes. It’s easier than similar bracelets, like the flip flop friendship bracelet.

Why people love it

The candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern is arguably one of the most common ones for a few reasons:

1. The pattern is easy to memorize – once you get the hang of one line, you don’t need to refer to the instructions anymore.
2. It’s easy to personalize and “theme” by choosing colors that work for a particular subject.
3. Progress is quick, satisfaction comes almost immediately as the stripes form.
4. They come together quite quickly, making them great for gifting, swapping, and summer camp or classroom projects.

Quick Pattern Snapshot (For Busy Readers)

Here’s a quick overview of the pattern that’s skimmable:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Time: About 30 to 90 minutes (depends on length and how fast you knot)
• Best string: Embroidery floss
• Common setup: 6 to 12 strands
• Core idea: Forward knot across each row to form the diagonal stripe

Material Choices for the Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet

Did you know that there are different strings you can use to create friendship bracelets? Here’s a quick overview of the best ones for this candy stripe friendship bracelet.

Embroidery floss

This is my go-to for most friendship bracelets. It comes in so many colors, has a delicate look when knotted, and comes in large affordable variety pack. It’s the correct scale for a bracelet like this. The friction is good and the knots hold well.

Standard embroidery floss is definitely what I’d recommend when doing the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern with beginners.

Other string options

You don’t have to stick to embroidery floss! Whether you’re looking to upgrade, availability is an issue, or you’re just wanting a change, here are some other options:

• Pearl cotton size 8- this finer embroidery floss gives a much thinner, realer, upgraded look. It’ll be harder to work with and produce smaller results for the same effort, but is a great option for a bracelet that looks more like real jewelry.
• Crochet thread – This is also quite fine, but tends to be cheaper. Get these in big spools in more limited colors rather than big mixed package sizes.
• Nylon cord – This satin-effect cord looks playful on bracelets. It won’t hold its knot as well, so pull tight and glue the finishing knots shut.

Tools that make it easier

While all you really need for friendship bracelet making is the floss you’ll be using and any pair of scissors you have handy, these tools can make things go more smoothly:

• Good fabric-dedicated thread snippers will give you a cleaner cut (with less fraying) than ordinary scissors that are also used for paper.
• Tape, binder clip, safety pin, or clipboard – Bracelet makers come in two types: “secure your bracelet” knotters and “knot in your hand” knotters. I’m the second type. But if you prefer to have your bracelet secured while knotting, use a safety pin to pin it to your pants/skirt, a clipboard, tape on a desk, or a binder clip and folder.
• Measuring tape or a ruler – of course, to get accurate measurements, you’ll want measuring tools.

Optional extras

• Beads – I’ve shared more beaded friendship bracelets in the past, but if you want a little glam in this bracelet too, adding beads is a great way to do it.
• Glue – I like to glue my final knots. It just makes things more secure, protecting my hard work.
• Clasps – I love to add clasps to my friendship bracelets – it really upgrades the bracelet, and helps it last longer by making it easily removable.

Tips for designing and planning your candy stripe friendship bracelet

When you have a friendship bracelet as simple as the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern, you know that your design choices and plans will make the whole impact.

Choosing Colors That Look Good in Candy Stripe

Color choice will be your biggest deciding factor for how this looks.

Easy color formulas

Here are some basic color approaches I take when choosing colors for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern.

• 2-color bold stripe – this high contrast effect chooses two colors with contrast to repeat through the whole design.
• 3-color balanced stripe – a classic and playful approach to color choice with more transition between shades.
• Rainbow stripe – Choose ROYGBIV colors in any shade for a more child-friendly and playful look.
• Monochrome stripe – One of my favorite approaches with any bracelet is to use the same color family in different shades for a gorgeous ombre.
• Themed scheme – Since the bracelet is so simple, choose different colors to fit a theme. Think: yellow, white, and green for a daisy vibe, red, green, and gold for Christmas, school or team colors…

Pastels are great for Spring, brights for Sumer , deep shades for fall…

How to order your strands

When choosing the order of your strands, consider the color wheel. I find that it’s simply the harmonious choice – the way the eye is used to seeing and the brain is used to processing colors.

Sizing and Measuring (So It Fits the First Time)

You want it to fit – adding strings to a bracelet can be annoying – but you also don’t want to be wasteful. These tips for sizing and measuring your bracelet will allow you to get it right the first time.

How long to cut each strand

Since each wrist size is different, the general guideline is to start with your “wingspan” – that is, the size when you spread your arms. Take the end of the string with one hand, then, using the other, unspool it until your arms are stretched and the string is taught. Cut it there.

But there are so many variables at play! Someone who is very short but has a wide wrist may want to add a few inches. 45inches is a very safe zone for cutting, allowing space for knots and extras..

Here are some more factors that will affect.

How wide the bracelet will be

More strands equals a wider bracelet. If you’re using a lot of colors, you may want to add a few inches just to be safe. Keep in mind that you’re also using more strands, so you don’t need that much more.

The same strand count using tighter knots equals a slightly narrower look and will use less string.

Planning for ties

I do have a dedicated post on how to start and finish friendship bracelets, but keep in mind that it’ll affect the length of your starting strings too. If you’re using a knotted loop, you’ll need to choose one color to add a good 6-8 inches to.

What you need to know before making this candy stripe friendship bracelet

Let’s walk you through the details of this bracelet beyond materials.

Setting Up Your Strings for Success

How many strands to use

One of the cool things about the candy stripe friendship bracelet is that there are no rules with how many strings you can use!

The general guidelines are:

• 6 strands for a slim bracelet
• 8 to 12 strands for a classic width (you can double strands for fewer colors

Keep in mind that your bracelet will be one knot narrower than your strand count.

If you go too wide, you may start having curling.

How to fold or not fold

So do you double strings and fold them over or do you use one of each?

The general guideline is: Fold in half for a loop start and don’t fold for a tie start. If you fold, you’ll need half the colors of your strand count, so keep that in mind when planning.

How to anchor your work

You don’t need to anchor your bracelet as you work, but if you prefer to, here are some ideas:

1. Tape it to a table
2. Clip to a clipboard
3. Pin to a pillow or jeans (great for travel)

I usually work in my hands, but I do have a clipboard with storage inside in general for friendship bracelet making.

The Only Knots You Need: the forward knot

One of the cool things about this bracelet is that you only need ONE knot – the forward knot. Here are some tips for beginners.

Forward knot basics

A knot is made of two hitches – so it’s really a “double knot” as we’d know it. In a forward knot, you’re knotting the left string around the right string twice in the same direction. The working string travels from one non-working string to the next horizontally. You work one string across each row until you reach the next, and then start again from the left.

Common knot mistakes and quick fixes

• Knots loosening – if your knots aren’t holding, it could be because the string is too slick. You can wet them and tighten again before you put your work down, but otherwise, just make sure you tighten them back before “locking them in” with the next knot.
• Stripe looks bumpy – your rows should come out smooth. If not, it’s probably that you’re using different tension to knot each one. Tension refers to how tightly you knot and is heavily affected by your energy levels and mood. Consider doing each row in a single sitting.
• Holes near the top – the first row can really be wonky. Your strings aren’t straight yet. Don’t worry about that. Do make sure to pull that first row tight, but regardless, that’s not your core bracelet, so leave it be – you’ll figure that out when you gain some more experience.

Mini practice tip

Muscle memory is your fingers literally knowing what to do because they are used to make a certain motion. It’s what I’m now using to touch type this tutorial, it’s how you make your coffee before actually having coffee (because we know that’s NOT your brain doing it).

Muscle memory can be valuable with friendship bracelet making, and a key to keeping your knots in order and your tension even.

If you want your first bracelet to come out fabulous, consider building muscle memory by practicing the knots on some scraps first.

Taking your candy stripe friendship bracelets to the next level

Ready to upgrade your bracelets? Here are some ways to do this.

Candy Stripe Pattern Explained (How the Stripes Form)

Knowing the “science” behind how the knots form patterns was the key component I used to come up with my own designs – including knotted name bracelets, this open-weave ombre chevron, and more.

The core pattern rule

One working string travels across the row, creating the stripe color. The first hitch creates the top of the stitch. The second secures the bottom. These two create a stitch on the front of the bracelet. Moving along from left to right, you’re knotting (two hitches) around each string, creating a single stitch on the front of each vertical string.

What changes row to row

After each row, the working string moves to the far right.

The next row starts again from the left with the new first string. This “resets” it again, making a stitch in the next color on each string.

How to keep your place

One of the cool things about the candy stripe friendship bracelet is how easy it is to keep track. Keep strands flat and in order and you won’t lose your spot.

Pause at the end of each row, then gently comb strings with fingers to avoid knotting and confusing strings.

Variations and Cute Add-Ons

Ready to make this candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern your own? Here are some quick tips for doing that in a beginner-friendly way.

Stripe width changes

Repeat one color more often for thicker stripes. Meaning, you can do two blues in a row, three pinks, and one orange for a sunsetty-vibe.

Use fewer colors for a bolder look when doing this.

Texture options

Try thicker thread for a chunkier bracelet. You can even mix thick with thin threads (carefully as it’ll heavily affect the final result).

Mix matte and shiny floss for subtle contrast. You can consider a metallic blue and a flat blue to be two different colors for a classy “color on color” look.

Personal touches

Adding beads doesn’t mean you have to add beading throughout. You can add a small bead section near the center for a simple, classy look.

Choose a decorative toggle clasp to add some glam. And you can even use fabric paint for a bold finish, such as vertical color blocking.

How to Make a Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet

As always, here is the step-by-step process for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern.

Supplies Needed

• Embroidery floss (6 to 12 strands total, about 36-45 inches each color, 54 inches doubled over on the 6-strand bracelet is perfect.)
• Scissors
• Tape, binder clip, safety pin, or clipboard
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Optional: bead(s), needle for bead threading, clasp set

Watch the Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Instructions with Photos

1. Cut and organize your strands

Choose your colors and lay them in the exact order you want the stripes to repeat.

2. Anchor the top

Tie an overhand knot, then tape or clip it down so it won’t move, unless you feel comfortable working in your hands.

3. Separate the strings

Fan them out so they don’t overlap, keep them flat.

4. Make forward knots across the first row

Use the leftmost string as the working string. Tie a forward knot onto the next string. You’re tying left-to-right twice around the same string.

5. Finish the row and reset

Knot the rest of the row, using the working string to make a forward knot around each string. After you knot across, the working string ends on the far right.

Slide knots up gently to keep the row tight and clean (if needed).

6. Start the next row with the new leftmost string

Your new leftmost string becomes the new working string. Repeat the same forward knots across the row again. Keep your tension even so the edges stay straight and your bracelet looks neat.

7. Continue until it fits

Repeat this process, knotting the leftmost string around each string to its right. Check the length around your wrist before you finish.

Stop a little early if you plan on adding any decorative clasps or loop closures.

8. Finish the ends

You can finish so many different ways, but here are a few:

Option A: split your strings into 2 groups and make braided ties.

Option B: Just knot the ends.

Option C: Tie it off and add a ribbon crimp and clasp.

Troubleshooting (Fixes for the Most Common Problems)

Here are some quick fixes in bullet-point format in case you’re still having issues.

• Tension problems
  • Too tight (bracelet curls, strings feel stiff)
  • Too loose (gaps, uneven edges)
  • Fix: adjust tightening motion, keep knots snug but not yanked
• Edge problems
  • Wavy sides
  • Fix: keep the outer strings straight before each knot
• Twisting and curling
  • Why it happens (normal spiral effect plus tension)
    • Fix: flatten as you go, keep tension even, blocking post-crafting
• Wrong stripe order
  • Cause: strand order changed mid-project
  • Fix: stop and re-sort strands before continuing
• String issues
  • Fraying floss
  • Fix: cut a fresh end, avoid over-twisting, knot with smooth motion

FAQs

• How many strings do you need for a candy stripe friendship bracelet?
  • Anywhere between 4-12+ works great, with 8-10 being the sweet spot.
• How long should I cut embroidery floss for a candy stripe bracelet?
  • “Wingspan” – or from fingertips-to-fingertips when arms are spread is great. Or just cut 45 inches.
• What’s the easiest way to start a candy stripe bracelet, loop start or ties?
  • The easiest way to begin is just to knot the ends together, but I do share other ways in this post. My favorite way to start is using a ribbon crimp and clasp.
• Why is my candy stripe bracelet curling or twisting?
  • It’s probably a tension issue, combined with the natural effect of repeated forward knots. Try “blocking” it but wetting it when you’re done and securing it flat.
• How do you keep the edges of a friendship bracelet straight?
  • By keeping your tension even. It IS best to complete the bracelet in one sitting as tension is affected by things like mood and energy levels, but you can also just be conscious of those affects.
• Can you make a candy stripe bracelet with yarn instead of embroidery floss?
  • Yes, but your knots won’t glide as smoothly or be as even. The result will be more childish and less sophisticated. If you need to use yarn for whatever reason, go for a finer yarn if you can, and use fewer colors.
• What knot do you use for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern?
  • The only knot you need to know is the forward knot.
• How do you change colors in a candy stripe bracelet?
  • The color change comes naturally by arranging different color strings. f
• How long does it take to make a candy stripe friendship bracelet?
  • Depending on how many colors you’re using, your experience level, and other factors, it can take as quick as half an hour or as long as an hour and a half – or longer.
• What’s the difference between candy stripe and chevron bracelets?
  • Candy stripe bracelets has you knotting from left to right to form a single diagonal. Chevron has you knotting from right to left and left to right to meet in the center and form a V-shape.

Conclusion

Congrats! You’ve officially learned how to make a candy stripe friendship bracelet – and even how to adapt it and make it your own. I hope you’ve found this to be truly helpful, and even a replacement for an in-person workshop.

I recommend that you start simple: go for 2-3 colors and 6 strands, then gradually add more colors and strands. See how wide you can stretch it before deciding on your limits. Craft the basics, then add beads and other embellishments.

Bookmark this post, or print out the steps for when you’re ready to actually start knotting!

The post Foundations: Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet Pattern – Step by Step Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

The spiral friendship bracelet – often referred to as the “Chinese staircase” bracelet, is a foundational friendship bracelet that is one of the first tools to learning how to make a friendship bracelet that everyone should try!

It’s so easy and helps new crafters practice the very basic knots that will eventually be used to make insanely cool bracelets – including these name bracelets, diamond friendship bracelets, zig zag bracelets, and more!

And while all of the above are flat bracelets, this one is round. But unlike other round friendship bracelets (such as wrapped friendship bracelets and kumihimo bracelets), these spiral friendship bracelets actually use the same knots you’ll eventually be using to make elaborate flat bracelets.

Before we teach you how to craft your own, here are some tips for crafting success!

Tips for making spiral friendship bracelets

Practicing your knot

One of the cool things about making spiral friendship bracelets is that it’s a practice knot! It comes together quickly and so you don’t really need to practice making your knot in advance. If you don’t love the first bracelet, consider it a learning mistake and move onto the second.

The knot used here is a forward knot, that you simply repeat and repeat and repeat – and the spot where the string “moves down” to the next level is where your spiral is forming.

When you make a knot, tension matters. That is, how tight you pull it. Usually this can be influenced by things like mood, fatigue level, comfort or sitting position. For that reason, you’ll likely get the most naturally consistent results doing this in one sitting.

Again, it’s a quick bracelet, so you can. But you can also just keep your eyes open and make sure you’re pulling your string equally tight each time.

Choosing your colors

This bracelet, like many, is influenced heavily by which colors you choose. While for many bracelets I like to choose different shades of the same color, for spiral friendship bracelets, I typically like a little contrast.

Tip: choose your colors from a color wheel! Stick to a color scheme – such as analogous colors or complementary colors.

Another idea is just to spread out your strings and see what looks good, but focus on colors that have a similar tone. For example, all pastels, all muted colors, etc.

Crafting with it!!!

One of the coolest thing about spiral friendship bracelets is that once you master it, you don’t need to stick to bracelets! I mean, you can literally make knots around something. I’ve seen people do it around phone cords, and I have a tutorial for doing this around earring hoops in my book How to Make Jewelry Out of Anything.

You can try it around bangles, with thicker yarn around backpack handles, and even around a thin hairband!

How to make spiral friendship bracelets

You’ll need

• Embroidery floss – about six 20 inch strands in 3-6 colors. This is a baseline amount – you can do more (add an inch or two for each strand you’re adding) but don’t do less – it’ll be too thin.
• Scissors
• Optional: clipboard – some people like to clip it to a surface or pin it to their pants to work with it. I work in my hands.

Knots used

The only knot you’re using here is a forward knot – that is where you knot a strand from left to right around the next one – or group of threads.

We’ll show you how to do it!

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by step instructions

1. Cut your floss into six strands, about 20 inches long, or three 40-inch strands (if you’re doubling colors)

2. If you’re doubling your strands (using the same color twice), fold it over in the center. Make a knot about an inch from the end. You can also check out my dedicated tutorial on how to start and finish a friendship bracelet.

3. Choose which color you’re starting with and pull it to the left of your project.

4. Make a forward knot: Take it and bring it in front of the bunch of the rest of the strands, around and behind, and through the loop you just formed on the left – over the top of your starting strand.

5. Pull it tight, up against your first knot.

6. Take that same strand and continue this same knot around about 20 times (or however wide you want that color to be). Each round should rest just below the previous, with no internal strands sticking up or showing, but they shouldn’t be on top of each other. After a few knots, you’ll begin to see the spiral forming.

7. Now, let your working thread join the bundle. Take the next color you want to use and pull out a thread of that color from the bundle.

8. Turn your bracelet a bit so that string is on the left of the bundle of strings, and go ahead and make the same forward knot using that next color.

9. Keep on going for the same amount of knots as you did the first color.

10. Repeat with your third color!

11. If you’re using three colors, make sure round two uses the longer strings so you don’t run out.

12. Keep going until your bracelet is long enough and then knot the ends together!

13. A simple and fun way to finish this would be the braid method, and it works best if you have a loop at the top (folded over strands/3 color bracelet). Split your end strings in half, with one of each color on each side.

14. Take one side and make a simple 3-strand braid.

15. Carefully knot the end to secure it.

16. Repeat on the other side and trim.

Your spiral friendship bracelets are complete!

You can switch this up with longer runs of each color, more colors, more strands… You can even do uneven blocks of color, just make sure you have enough string for that!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make spiral friendship bracelets! Comment if you have any questions, or with which bracelet you want me to show you next.

How to Make a Chinese Staircase Friendship bracelet

This spiral friendship bracelet tutorial - otherwise known as the Chinese Staircase is the first bracelet I recommend that every new crafter make! It's easy, satisfying, and builds muscle memory for foundational knots

Print

Materials

• Embroidery floss - about six 20 inch strands in 3-6 colors. This is a baseline amount - you can do more (add an inch or two for each strand you're adding) but don't do less - it'll be too thin.
• Scissors
• Optional: clipboard - some people like to clip it to a surface or pin it to their pants to work with it. I work in my hands.

Tools

Instructions

1. 1. Cut your floss into six strands, about 20 inches long, or three 40-inch strands (if you're doubling colors)
2. If you're doubling your strands (using the same color twice), fold it over in the center. Make a knot about an inch from the end. You can also check out my dedicated tutorial on how to start and finish a friendship bracelet.
3. Choose which color you're starting with and pull it to the left of your project.
4. Make a forward knot: Take it and bring it in front of the bunch of the rest of the strands, around and behind, and through the loop you just formed on the left - over the top of your starting strand.
5. Pull it tight, up against your first knot.
6. Take that same strand and continue this same knot around about 20 times (or however wide you want that color to be). Each round should rest just below the previous, with no internal strands sticking up or showing, but they shouldn't be on top of each other. After a few knots, you'll begin to see the spiral forming.
7. Now, let your working thread join the bundle. Take the next color you want to use and pull out a thread of that color from the bundle.
8. Turn your bracelet a bit so that string is on the left of the bundle of strings, and go ahead and make the same forward knot using that next color.
9. Keep on going for the same amount of knots as you did the first color.
10. Repeat with your third color!
11. If you're using three colors, make sure round two uses the longer strings so you don't run out.
12. Keep going until your bracelet is long enough and then knot the ends together!
13. A simple and fun way to finish this would be the braid method, and it works best if you have a loop at the top (folded over strands/3 color bracelet). Split your end strings in half, with one of each color on each side.
14. Take one side and make a simple 3-strand braid.
15. Carefully knot the end to secure it.
16. Repeat on the other side and trim. Your spiral friendship bracelets are complete! You can switch this up with longer runs of each color, more colors, more strands... You can even do uneven blocks of color, just make sure you have enough string for that!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Spiral Friendship Bracelets – the first bracelet you should make! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

This buffalo plaid bracelet pattern is not your childhood friendship bracelet! It’s sophisticated, modern, and oh, so cool – the perfect fall or winter jewelry accessory!

The idea popped into my head the other day: I MUST figure out how to make a buffalo plaid friendship bracelet! And so started a month long process.

First, despite my huge stash of strings, I simply did not have the correct colors.

Then, the original process didn’t quite cut it. And then finally, I LOST one of the bracelets I had worked on for a long time!!

I’m really excited to finally sharing with you this buffalo plaid friendship bracelet pattern.

This bracelet uses an alpha pattern with a running string that is used in every single knot and runs from left to right and then to left again.

It’s not an easy bracelet really, since you’re working with long strings and constantly switching off, however the concept is very simple with a basic set of rules that’s easy to remember.

One of my favorite features of this buffalo plaid bracelet is that it looks fabulous on both sides!! The back takes on a basket-weave look and is quite beautiful as well.

The textile look of this bracelet is so much more sophisticated than your typical friendship bracelet and makes it a fabulous fall or winter accessory.

I tried making it in three color schemes that are relatively neutral: tans, muted reds, and olive greens. You can also make it in very seasonal colors: bright red or green, pink, blue.

As long as you choose the correct color combo, it’ll look fab – and I offer tips on that below, so you’ll get it right!

How to Make a Buffalo Plaid Bracelet

While I do outline step by step instructions below, I want to summarize the process for those of you who might be more skilled. I also share some of the crafting tips and decision making process that makes a big difference to the final bracelet here, so definitely skim it, even if you’re not a pro!

Choosing your colors

Color choice is EVERYTHING when making a buffalo plaid bracelet!

Just like when I created a 3d zig zag friendship bracelet and a 3D diamond friendship bracelet pattern, the color creates the effect. This might not be 3D but choosing the right colors is what makes it look like a Buffalo plaid bracelet.

You want a dark (which can be black, brown, charcoal gray), a light (which could be white or tinted), and a medium (a brighter color, can be more dull, as if it has some black in it.)

You can also use bright, dulled, and black as your light, medium, and dark.

If you look at classic Buffalo plaid, it often has a very bright “light”. That’s okay, as long as you can get a good medium for it. I purchased my strings individually in-store (at Michaels) from open-stock embroidery floss for this bracelet. This way, I could lay it out and choose.

DMC Colors I used (dark to light):

• Green bracelet: 500, 501, 504
• Red bracelet: 3371, 3830, 3779
• Brown bracelet: 3021, 3790, 3033

The Basic Rules to Making a Buffalo Plaid Bracelet

To make a buffalo plaid bracelet, you do NOT need to sit with an actual pattern in front of you. Remember to follow these basic rules:

• You’re creating 4×4 squares of each color of knot.
• The medium color moves throughout the bracelet and is involved in each knot – either it’s being knotted or knotted around.
• You have alternating mediums in each row, but dark or light in every other row. And medium should never be on top of medium – it should always be under dark or light.
• Whether you knot the medium or around the medium depends where in your pattern you’re up to – a light row or a dark row.

And that pretty much sums up the rules of making a buffalo plaid bracelet! See? No pattern needed! But I’ll give you one anyway.

Buffalo Plaid Bracelet Pattern Summary (for pros)

This is for those of you who just want the process in brief, without step-by-step photos. There is a printable version at the end of this post.

Cut strings: Light: 72 inches, cut 2; Dark: 72 inches, cut 2; Medium: about 13 feet (or half a skein)

Arrange strings: Medium single, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over. You have a total of nine working strands.

Knots used: Forward, backward.

Row 1: Work this row left to right. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves one to the right. Forward knot medium around light, then light. Backward knot dark around medium. Backward knot next dark around medium. Forward knot medium around light and again around the next light. Backward knot dark around medium and again with the next dark.

Row 2: Work this row right to left. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves to the left. Mimic the row before: each knot should be the same as the one above. Forward knot dark (the one you just used) around medium. Forward knot next dark around medium. Backward knot medium around light and again around light. Forward knot dark around medium and next dark around medium. Backward knot medium around light and then the next light.

Row 3: Work this row left to right. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves one to the right. Backward knot light around medium, then the next light around medium. Forward knot medium around dark, and then medium around the next dark. Backward knot the following light around medium, and again with the next. Forward knot medium around the next dark, and then the next.

Row 4: Work this row right to left. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves to the left. Mimic the row before: each knot should be the same as the one above. Backward knot medium around dark, and again around dark. Forward knot the next light around medium, and same with the next light. Backward knot medium around the next two dark (separately). And then forward knot the next two lights (individually) around medium.

Repeat these four rows until your bracelet is complete!

Starting and finishing your bracelet

When it comes to classier friendship bracelets like this one, I like to give it that kind of respect. Therefore, I used the ribbon crimp method to finish this off.

This not only gives it a polished “real jewelry” touch, but it also allows it to be taken on and off more easily. It also makes it fabulous to stack with real jewelry. Simply make sure to get the correct size crimp. This will depend in part on the size of your string and the tension of your knots. I purchased this package which has a few sizes that are close enough that you have what to choose from.

There are more traditional ways to finish this off – you can read how to start and finish a friendship bracelet.

Step by Step Tutorial for a Buffalo Plaid Friendship Bracelet

Supplies needed

• Light, medium, and dark of the same color embroidery floss (I used DMC 25 open stock)
• Thread snips
• Washi tape (or other low-tack tape)
• Ribbon crimps
• Chain nose pliers
• Hot glue gun
• Clasp and jump rings

Starting your bracelet

1. Cut your string as follows: Light: 72 inches. Cut two of these and fold each in half. Dark: 72 inches. Cut two of these and fold each in half. Medium: 13 feet. It can be hard to work with a very long string, so you may want to wrap it around a scrap of cardboard with wider ends, to make a mini skein.

2. Arrange your strings as follows: Medium single, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over. You have a total of nine working strands.

Tape them down with a bit of tape. I found it best to start this bracelet flat and NOT with a knot. It’s just clearer. To do this, I started it taped in order (closer than pictured) to a surface. after one round, I was able to remove it from the surface. You can also simply lay it on a flat piece of tape in order, and place another piece of tape on top, if you prefer not to work attached to a surface.

Knotting your bracelet

To make this, you NEED to know how to make forward and backward knots. It’s not really a total beginner bracelet (although it’s not very complex.) If you don’t yet, first learn how to make a friendship bracelet and then come back to this tutorial.

Rule: you’re always moving your ONE medium colored string along to the next knot.

Row 1:

Work this row from left to right, moving your medium string along to the next position with each knot.

1. Start with your left (medium) string. Forward knot it around the string to its right (light) and pull tight.

2. Forward knot the same (medium) string around the next light to the right.

3. Backwards knot the next string to the right of your medium (dark) around the medium. The next string to the right will again be a dark. Backward knot it around your medium.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the next four strings. Forward knot your medium around the light to its right. You’ll have another light to its right so forward knot medium around it. The next string is a dark so backward knot the dark around the medium and repeat with the next dark.

Row 2:

Row two needs to look exactly like row one, only you’re working from right to left since your medium string is at the right.

5. Forward knot the dark to the left of your medium around your medium. This IS the string you just worked with.

6. Forward knot the next dark around medium.

7. Backward knot medium around the right to the left of it. Repeat with the next light that’s now to the left of it.

8. Repeat: Forward knot dark around medium, forward knot dark around medium, backward knot medium around dark, and backward knot medium around dark until you’re back at your starting point and your original string order.

Rows 3 & 4:

Row 3 works left to right, moving the medium along as you did before and row 4 mimics row 3, working from right to left.

9. Backward knot light around medium. Repeat with the next light to the right: backward knot around medium.

10. Forward knot medium around dark. Forward knot medium again around the next dark.

11. Repeat: Backward knot light around medium, and the next light around medium. Forward knot medium around dark, and then around the next dark.

12. Repeat row 3 working from right to left. Backwards knot medium around dark, medium around dark. Forward knot light around medium, light around medium. Backwards knot medium around dark, medium around dark. Forward knot light around medium, light around medium.

Repeat this process until your bracelet is almost long enough to wear! Leave an inch for the clasp and crimps.

Finishing it off

13. Carefully remove the starting tape and hold your strings so that they form a row no wider than the width of your bracelet. Place a thin line of hot glue where the strings end. Repeat on the finishing point of your bracelet. When the hot glue is totally dry, flip it over and repeat on the back .

14. When your hot glue is dry on both sides, attach a ribbon crimp to each end. Attach a clasp and connector to your ribbon crimp – or read this tutorial for how to add a clasp to a friendship bracelet. Your buffalo plaid bracelet is complete!

I hope you love your gorgeous buffalo plaid friendship bracelet and wear it all year long! Which color combination will YOU try? Comment below!

How to Make a Buffalo Plaid Friendship Bracelet

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to make a gorgeous, sophisticated buffalo plaid firnedship bracelet - or micro macrame! This stunning winter accessory is simple to DIY and fun for teens through adults.

Print

Materials

• Light, medium, and dark of the same color embroidery floss (I used DMC 25 open stock)
• Washi tape (or other low-tack tape)
• Ribbon crimps
• Clasp and connector - I used jump rings

Tools

• Chain nose pliers
• Hot glue gun
• Thread snips

Instructions

Cut strings: Light: 72 inches, cut 2; Dark: 72 inches, cut 2; Medium: about 13 feet (or half a skein)

Arrange strings: Medium single, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over, Light doubled over, Dark doubled over. You have a total of nine working strands.

Knots used: Forward, backward.

Row 1: Work this row left to right. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves one to the right. Forward knot medium around light, then light. Backward knot dark around medium. Backward knot next dark around medium. Forward knot medium around light and again around the next light. Backward knot dark around medium and again with the next dark.

Row 2: Work this row right to left. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves to the left. Mimic the row before: each knot should be the same as the one above. Forward knot dark (the one you just used) around medium. Forward knot next dark around medium. Backward knot medium around light and again around light. Forward knot dark around medium and next dark around medium. Backward knot medium around light and then the next light.

Row 3: Work this row left to right. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves one to the right. Backward knot light around medium, then the next light around medium. Forward knot medium around dark, and then medium around the next dark. Backward knot the following light around medium, and again with the next. Forward knot medium around the next dark, and then the next.

Row 4: Work this row right to left. Make sure that with each knot the medium one moves to the left. Mimic the row before: each knot should be the same as the one above. Backward knot medium around dark, and again around dark. Forward knot the next light around medium, and same with the next light. Backward knot medium around the next two dark (separately). And then forward knot the next two lights (individually) around medium.

Repeat these four rows until your bracelet is complete!

Notes

Color choice is EVERYTHING when making a buffalo plaid bracelet!

You want a dark (which can be black, brown, charcoal gray), a light (which could be white or tinted), and a medium (a brighter color, can be more dull, as if it has some black in it.)

You can also use bright, dulled, and black as your light, medium, and dark.

This bracelet follows basic rules:

• You're creating 4x4 squares of each color of knot.
• The medium color moves throughout the bracelet and is involved in each knot - either it's being knotted or knotted around.
• You have alternating mediums in each row, but dark or light in every other row. And medium should never be on top of medium - it should always be under dark or light.
• Whether you knot the medium or around the medium depends where in your pattern you're up to - a light row or a dark row.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Buffalo Plaid Friendship Bracelet Pattern appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

While fabric bracelets have been around for the longest time, definitely since my early blogging days, they’ve recently gained steam as bandana bracelets, although you can still use fun fabric scraps to make them.

There are so many different ways to make them and I’ve even shared two fun ideas for how to make braided bandana bracelets!

Now what about tying them off? Today I’m going to show you how to tie a bandana bracelet using four different techniques.

Now, while some of these might seem similar, they each have unique advantages and use scenarios. Some were born from having cut the fabric too short – but still fit in as an ideal solution. Some are more standard.

Whatever your reasons or your choice, I hope you find this tutorial for how to tie a bandana bracelet super helpful!

Watch the YouTube video for how to tie a bandana bracelet

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

How to tie a bandana bracelet 4 ways – Written Instructions

Method 1: Basic Tie (Big or Small)

The most obvious way to tie a bandana bracelet is to simply form two bunny ears and tie the sides together twice.

You can do this by keeping it small and compact or leaving it longer for the bandana/scarf style look.

Tying it shorter will make it harder to open and close. My recommendation would be to tie it just large enough to go over the wearer’s fists so that it can be slide on and off. It works best with fabrics that have a tiny bit of stretch so that they can be made small enough that they won’t slide off.

Tying a larger knot will make it easier to open and close. It will make things like writing and typing harder but it’s a summer camp type craft that kids can still have fun with, wear outside of school, or on their weak hand. And again, it’s more removable that way.

Method 2: Bow

I did not photograph this method (oops) but I did try tying a bow on once bracelet. This is best for bracelets that have longer and thinner bandanas, like the infinity bracelet that I made.

This allows it to be removable, and you don’t have to use extra hardware or findings. It also gives it a fun scarf-like look.

Method 3: Separate Ribbon

One of my favorite ways to maintain that scarf look but keep it a bit more compact is to use a separate ribbon to tie it. I did this also because I cut some of them too short, but again, it’s a great way to tie a bandana bracelet regardless.

Supplies:

• Ribbon crimps in assorted sizes
• Pliers
• Jumprings
• Ribbon (I used lace ribbon)
• Scissors
• Your bracelet that you’re finishing.

Step by step process for tying a bandana bracelet with a separate ribbon:

1. Begin by trimming the fabric on your bracelet to just barely fit around your wrist.

2. Fold the ends of the bracelet to fit neatly into a ribbon end crimp and crimp it shut. Note: You can use wider or narrower crimps for this – choose one that will comfortably fit your fabric!

Do this on each end.

3. Attach a jump ring to each end.

4. Cut a piece of ribbon about ten inches long (test your length – you need one that’ll comfortably tie a bow). Thread it through the two jump rings.

5. Tie your bow! It’s much more comfortable to wear than the full bulk of the bandana, you can swap them out to match different outfits, and it’s relatively easy to open and close.

Method 4: Clasp Closure

The final most polished way is to use an actual clasp to tie a bandana bracelet and not a ribbon. This has the most professional finish and is a great option if you’re selling your craft.

You do lose some of the charm of the bandana tie but it will really make your bracelet much more wearable.

To finish your bracelet with a clasp, simply follow the steps for the separate ribbon above. Instead of adding a ribbon through the loops, use smaller jumprings and attach a clasp.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to tie a bandana bracelet! Which is your favorite method? Comment below!

4 Ways to Finish Off Bandana Bracelets

While fabric bracelets have been around for the longest time, definitely since my early blogging days, they've recently gained steam as bandana bracelets, although you can still use fun fabric scraps to make them.

There are so many different ways to make them and I've even shared two fun ideas for how to make braided bandana bracelets!

Now what about tying them off? Today I'm going to show you how to tie a bandana bracelet using four different techniques.

Print

Materials

• Ribbon crimps in assorted sizes
• Pliers
• Jumprings
• Ribbon (I used lace ribbon)
• Scissors
• Your bracelet that you're finishing.

Instructions

Method 1: Basic Tie (Big or Small)

You can do this by keeping it small and compact or leaving it longer for the bandana/scarf style look.

Tying it shorter will make it harder to open and close. My recommendation would be to tie it just large enough to go over the wearer's fists so that it can be slide on and off. It works best with fabrics that have a tiny bit of stretch so that they can be made small enough that they won't slide off.

Tying a larger knot will make it easier to open and close. It will make things like writing and typing harder but it's a summer camp type craft that kids can still have fun with, wear outside of school, or on their weak hand. And again, it's more removable that way.

Method 2: Bow

This is best for bracelets that have longer and thinner bandanas, like the infinity bracelet that I made.

This allows it to be removable, and you don't have to use extra hardware or findings. It also gives it a fun scarf-like look.

Method 3: Separate Ribbon

1. Begin by trimming the fabric on your bracelet to just barely fit around your wrist.

2. Fold the ends of the bracelet to fit neatly into a ribbon end crimp and crimp it shut. Note: You can use wider or narrower crimps for this - choose one that will comfortably fit your fabric!

Do this on each end.

3. Attach a jump ring to each end.

4. Cut a piece of ribbon about ten inches long (test your length - you need one that'll comfortably tie a bow). Thread it through the two jump rings.

5. Tie your bow! It's much more comfortable to wear than the full bulk of the bandana, you can swap them out to match different outfits, and it's relatively easy to open and close.

Method 4: Clasp Closure

The final most polished way is to use an actual clasp to tie a bandana bracelet and not a ribbon. This has the most professional finish and is a great option if you're selling your craft.

You do lose some of the charm of the bandana tie but it will really make your bracelet much more wearable.

To finish your bracelet with a clasp, simply follow the steps for the separate ribbon above. Instead of adding a ribbon through the loops, use smaller jumprings and attach a clasp.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post How to tie a bandana bracelet appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When I first saw the bandana bracelet trend hit, I knew I HAD to jump on board! I have so many fabric scraps (no, you do not need to use bandanas but I’ll share some feedback and advice on choosing fabrics below.) I love a good, easy, colorful bracelet craft, so why not share some ideas in this space?

True to my style, instead of creating a quick tutorial, I decided to create an in-depth guide for how to make it so that you can really learn the ins and outs. Many of my readers here are group craft coordinators and not just individual crafters, and I think that it’s important to understand the nuances of different styles, materials, and ways to craft something before doing it with a group.

So my goal is not just to teach you how to make bandana bracelets, but to explore the different styles you can make, techniques you can use, and materials that are best.

Different styles of bandana bracelets

There are a few different visual styles for bandana or fabric based bracelets. Here, I’ll go over them quickly so you can get an idea of what you want to make.

Wrap

Such a bracelet would have a longer fabric, and you can wrap it around a few times before tying it. This is the only style I didn’t craft for this tutorial, but I wanted to bring it up for you here.

Single

The classic bandana bracelets feature a single length of fabric, tied in a knot, with charms and/or beads. I’ll go into that further below.

Sometimes the fabric can be thick and bulky enough in relation to the embellishments, but usually you’ll want to tie simple knots to hold the elements in place.

Infinity

An infinity bandana bracelet basically uses a 2-part fabric with a component in the center to connect two lengths of fabric. This is a fabulous way to make shorter lengths more useful (such as by combining it with the wrap bracelet method) or just for interest.

In my tutorial, I used an actual infinity charm, but you can also use a larger jumpring or decorative ring connected with fabric on each side. You’ll want a nice way to finish off those knots that you use to tie the fabric on.

Braided

Braided bandana bracelets are their own huge category, since there are many ways to make it, and I already shared a separate tutorial for making those.

They can also be combined with charms or beads and are a fun way to make bandana bracelets have a rope-like look.

What to use to make Bandana Bracelets

The two main supplies you’ll need are fabric and embellishments. You’ll also need good fabric scissors of course, and there are many “extras” you can use to finish it off.

Which fabric should you use

While bandana bracelets were coined for using with bandanas, they don’t have to be. I wanted to get these tutorials out already and didn’t have bandanas handy, so I made them using fabric scraps. One thing I noticed is that you want to get as close to the quality of the bandana as possible: a tighter weave. The fabric doesn’t have to be super stiff like a bandana, but it should have that non-fray finish.

I used two types of fabric: a stiffer fat quarter fabric (above) that worked beautifully and a softer linen-like fabric (below) that frayed like crazy. There are things you can do to prevent fray (seal it with an anti-fray solution, for example, or fix up the edges with clear nail polish).

But if you’re not using bandanas – which ARE a great solution here – at least choose a fabric that doesn’t unravel easily.

Adding Charms

It’s so much fun to add charms to bandana bracelets , and yes, it’s most crafters’ go-to. It adds a slightly upper scale quality to a craft that is by nature more of a “crafty” base. You can use ANY charms if you have a nice-sized, sturdy jump ring. You can get special large-ring charms. My goal was “craft with what you have” so I simply pulled out jumprings and basic charms for this.

Adding in beads

Beads work fabulously when learning how to make bandana bracelets, but your main challenge will be getting it onto the thick fabric!

You’ll want to look for large-hole beads. You can get wood ones like I used, or go for large-hole acrylic beads, charm-bracelet beads, or anything that you want.

My trick was to cut the edge of the fabric into triangle notches to make stringing easier – more on that in the step-by-step tutorial, of course!

How do you tie bandana bracelets

I’m going to be exploring a whole separate post on how to tie a bandana bracelet, since I do want to show you a few ways more clearly but I’ll go over this quickly here.

Tying a bow

The classic way to close your bandana bracelet WILL be with a simple bunny-ear knot. You’ll want to leave enough string for this, and you’ll probably need help putting it on and off.

One trick is to close it at just the right size that you can wiggle your hand through while it’s knotted and it won’t be too big while wearing it. This is TOTALLY doable, and is what I did in all of these posts that show me wearing it that style.

Making a permanent closure

Another more professional way to finish these off is to treat it like a ribbon or cord in jewelry making. To do this, you’ll use ribbon end crimps or cord ends. This allows you to add a clasp and adjustable chain for a much more polished finish. Again, I plan to do a whole separate post on this so make sure you sign up for updates or follow me on social!

You WILL lose the “scarf” look that the tie gives it, but it’ll be much more long-lasting this way.

How to make bandana bracelets

You’ll need

• Bandanas or other fabric – stiff is better, and fat quarters work great
• Fabric scissors (I recommend having one like this and another to work with details.) Save these scissors to use only with fabric to keep them sharp and in perfect working order.
• Large hole wood beads AND/OR Charms and jump rings
• A center “connector” piece for the infinity bracelet – an infinity symbol or large circle works.
• Pliers to work with the charms

YouTube Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Instructions

Regular charm bandana bracelet

1. Cut a length of fabric. The width should be about two inches. The length should be ideally the length of a bandana or about 18-24 inches (longer is better – you can always trim it down).

Cut that piece in half on the diagonal – from the bottom left corner to the top right. It doesn’t need to be perfect. You now have a pointed end to string things on from.

2. Make a knot a few inches from the wide end.

3. Connect your charms to jump rings. String them on from the skinny end. String on beads if you’d like. Arrange them as you’d like them to be. You an open and adjust your starting knot as needed.

4. Tie a knot at the other end to hold your charms on and trim your bracelet. Your knotted and charmed portion should be in the center of the final bracelet.

Tie it up and wear it proudly!

Infinity Style Bandana Bracelet

1. To make the infinity style bracelet, we took the second half of the fabric that we cut in step one of the regular one. cut it in half from the center of the wide side to the point.

2. Take your center connector charm/ring. Thread the skinny end of one of your fabric strips through one side.

3. Tie it in place, leaving a tail of about 2-3 inches of the skinny fabric, and a longer tail of fabric that’ll make up the body of your bracelet.

4. Repeat with the other string on the other side.

5. To help secure the “tail string’ and make my piece secure, I like to thread a bead over it. It’s a bit harder to start this one since you’ll need to go over the wider end fabric. Slide your bead over both tails of fabric from the end, close to the center connector.

6. Tie it in place with an overhand knot on the other side. This knot should basically include the shorter tail of thinner fabric and hide the end of it (trim it if that tail is too long) so that now you only have one strip of fabric on each side of your bracelet.

Your infinity bandana bracelet is ready to tie off!

Scarf Style Bandana Bracelet

To get more of a scarf (rather than a ropey) look, I adapted the tutorial of the first method just a bit! I also used the better (less fraying – stiffer) fabric for this one.

1. Cut a piece of fabric about 2-3 inches wide and 18-24 long (longer is better – you can always trim it).

Cut off the corners on each end into a triangle.

2. For this one, I just used a single focal charm in the center to allow the bracelet to “fluff” out more like a scarf.

Attach your charm to a jumpring and slide it to the center of your bracelet.

3. Tie a knot on each side to secure the charm in place.

4. And yes, that is it. Just tie the ends into a bow, and fluff out the ends of the bracelet on either side of the charm as much as you’d like to make it look like a scarf.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make bandana bracelets! This is a fabulous group project – just put out an assortment of supplies – or every day boredom buster to make in whichever color schemes you’re feeling at the moment!

The post How to Make Bandana Bracelets – Loads of Ideas! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Bandana bracelets are the latest trend and I’m all in! I have a few posts on this in the works, including a tutorial on different was to tie them, a post with a few more basic ideas and general tips.

But meanwhile, I wanted to share with you two ways to make braided bandana bracelets.

Now, you may have noticed that I didn’t use real bandanas, because I just wanted to craft with what I had handy… So I used “fat quarters“! I’ll offer more fabric tips in my main post when it goes live (make sure you sign up for updates or follow me on social!)

Of course, you can use real bandanas – or try it with t-shirts, old jeans/denim clothing, or anything fabric! In fact, it’s a great way to repurpose old and torn clothing – so let’s get crafting!

My best tip: choose a fabric with a tighter weave to minimize shedding. That is, not a loose, soft, linen-y fabric (light the light blue) rather a stiffer fabric that feels more like a bandana (like the blue and gold one).

2 types of Braided Bandana Bracelets

I created these two ways with different accessories.

Magic Braid with (or without) Charms

On one, I used the “magic braid” method. This is a method that has you only braid the middle portion so that the sides are totally intact!!

This makes for a more secure bracelet (although I did use the wrong fabric on mine.)

On this bracelet, I added a single charm, threaded onto one of the running strings. You can add a few charms, but I wanted to use this key one which looks great on its own.

You can learn more about how to make a magic braid bracelet here.

Regular Braid – Beads, Charms Blank

The other one uses a regular braid – just knot the three strands together. This one I cut too short (oops). I will share how to tie a bandana bracelet in another post but meanwhile, just make sure to leave enough length to tie your bracelets off!

On this one, I decided to teach you how to add beads to braided bandana bracelets. It’s very simple as long as you get good, large-hole beads. You can also do this one with charms, of course, and in the images you get a peek at the non-braid bandana bracelets post I’m working on.

These braided bandana bracelets are a really fun craft to put out at a party. Give kids an assortment of fabrics and bandanas – pre-cut or not. Hand them the large-hole beads, the charms, and a small assortment of tools and fabric scissors. Put out some samples for inspiration and let them get crafting!

How to make braided bandana bracelets

Supplies Needed

• Bandanas or other fabric – stiff is better, and fat quarters work great
• Fabric scissors (I recommend having one like this and another to work with details.) Save these scissors to use only with fabric to keep them sharp and in perfect working order.
• Large hole wood beads AND/OR Charms and jump rings
• Pliers to work with the charms

Process

Magic Braid Bandana Bracelet

1. All measurements are approximate. This is supposed to be a “fun” craft – not one where you pull out rulers.

Cut a strip of the bandana or fabric. If using a bandana, use the whole length. If using fabric, do about 1.5-2 feet in length (longer is better, you can always trim it later).

It should be about 2 inches wide. IF your fabric is very stiff, you can go a bit narrower.

2. Fold your fabric in half. Cut two slits about two inches deep at about 1/3 increments. Keep in mind that your bracelet fabric twists, so you want it generally even in spacing but it doesn’t have to be very accurate.

3. Unfold. You’re now going to braid those three center portions of your fabric strip.

4. Braid left over center and then right over the new center.

5. Take the bottom end of the bracelet and bring it from the back to the front through one of your slits. Straighten your bracelet. You’ll see a braid forming from both sides – the bottom and top.

6. Continue braiding – left over center and right over center. Bring the bottom end from back to front through the other slit – that you did not do before.

7. When you straighten it out, it should look like this – a braid formed from both directions.

8. I recommend making your braid quite tight. I did another set of braids – left over center, right over center, bring to the front, alternating which slit you bring it through. You should have a tightly braided ropey center.

9. To add a charm: Open a jumpring (get one large enough to fit over the cut bandana/fabric comfortably. Pull out one string of your braid enough to get a comfortable opening.

10. Place the jumpring on that bit of fabric.

11. Hang the charm and close the jumpring. Repeat with more charms if you’d like.

Beaded Braid Bandana Bracelet

1. Cut three even strips of fabric or bandana. Each one was about half an inch wide and I actually didn’t make it long enough – so follow my size guidelines above: about 22 inches long – you can always trim it later. This is a thicker fabric, meaning I was able t make thinner stripes.

2. At the bottom end of each, cut off the two corners to form a point.

3. Tie the ends together at the top, leaving enough “extra” on top to tie it after (4-5 inches)

4. Start braiding! I did three full sets of right over center and left over center.

5. Curl the notched end and thread a bead onto your center strip. You should be able to nudge it into the bead and through it quite easily if you’re using a nice, stiff fabric, large hole bead, and cut that point.

6. Braid three more (left over center, right over center, left over center) and thread on another bead.

7. Repeat step 6 with another bead (right over center, left over center, right over center and bead). Braid six (3 sets) like you did in the beginning.

8. Tie the braid together at the end to hold the strands together.

Your braided bandana bracelets are complete! You can definitely mix and match styles – add charms on the second (separate strand) version but if you want to add beads to the magic braid version you’ll need to do it on the ends – outside the braid.

The post Braided Bandana Bracelets – 2 Ways appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

The rag rug friendship bracelet is quite a unique one. While other friendship bracelets rely on sequencing in setting up your string, the rag rug friendship bracelet has you placing each line’s visible strings individually, allowing you endless design possibilities…

Yet, there are limitations in the fact that you’re working with smaller strings.

Today, I’m going to teach you how to make a rag rug friendship bracelet with loads of tips and design steps for beginners. My goal is not to provide a flat, hard-to-read pattern, rather, to provide you with the groundwork to know this bracelet well enough to take it to the next level yourself.

This bracelet is right in line with friendship bracelets for beginners – it’s the next step up from the very basic. It’s VERY similar to the horizontal stripe bracelet, and can be made as name friendship bracelets as well.

Because you are adding each thread individually, you end up with a fringe on each side. You can also veer away from the typical repeating pattern, however, for the purposes of this post I did stick with a simple pattern (more on that soon).

The rag rug friendship bracelet is the foundation for “alpha patterns” – that is, horizontal patterns that are tied around a base set of strings.

Tips for making a rag rug friendship bracelet

Using your scraps

One of the coolest perks of making rag rug friendship bracelets: you can use up your scraps!

While you’ll want a longer run for your center strings, they don’t need to be the same color, and are significantly shorter than center threads on bracelets that are used as key color threads/knotting threads and are not just there to be knotted around.

You can also use up smaller scraps from various projects since you only need a few inches for each row – and they’re separate threads!

There are so many ways you can use up scraps in rag rug friendship bracelets. I recommend sorting your scraps by color to use on a later bracelet.

You’re doing about 60-70 rows of knots, so keep that in mind when planning patterns with scraps.

Color scheme tips

If you’ve crafted quite a lot of friendship bracelets in the past, you might have quite the pile of diverse scraps. You don’t NEED to use scraps for this and I didn’t. While most people think of rag rugs as messy mops of color, even if you’re using scraps, you can still stick to a simpler palette.

I like to keep things bold and striking in these posts, and have a consistent color palette that I stick with, as you can see on this diamond friendship bracelet. I like a one or two color ombre (and for this one I went with two colors) to add a bit of drama and depth – even when not getting 3D effects.

If you’d like, you can use color wheels to help you in choosing colors, but I just like to pick mine from nature. Blue and yellow is like the sun in the sky, purple and green is floral.

You can also simply sort scraps by color family and do it that way.

The center strings on your rag rug friendship bracelet won’t show – so you can use up a color you don’t love for that! I do recommend choosing one that “makes sense” for the other strings as it may peek through a bit between the knots if your tension isn’t perfect.

Sealing the Knots

One thing that people don’t always think of when making rag rug bracelets: the knots are too close to the end of the “tail” and can unravel!!

I sealed the entire back of my project with Mod Podge for durability. It stiffens the bracelet a bit, giving it more body than you might be used to with friendship bracelets.

I also chose to comb out the ends of my fringe for a classy and more polished look. Where I got mod podge too far on the fringe, it didn’t fray nicely. However, it really did give it such a cool finishing touch, filling the space better and contrasting beautifully with the knots.

Closing off the rag rug friendship bracelet

There are so many differnet ways you can close off a friendship bracelet, and I even have a whole post dedicated to teaching you how to start and finish a friendship bracelet.

For bracelets like this one, I hands-down prefer the ribbon crimp and clasp method.

For this one, I chose a gorgeous leaf toggle clasp (I couldn’t find the same online – but this set has the same look). It’s incomparable with simply knotted ends, making it look polished and professional. So much work goes into knotting bracelets. Adding a clasp like this really turns it into a “real” piece of jewelry and not just tween arm candy.

Rag Rug Friendship Bracelet Pattern & Step by Step Tutorial

Knots needed

There is only one knot used in this bracelet! That is the forward knot.

If you don’t yet know how to do it, learn how to make friendship bracelets from scratch.

Supplies

• Embroidery floss
• Detail Scissors
• Optional: mounting putty
• Very narrow paper tape
• Decent quality masking tape
• Ribbon crimps
• Pliers
• Clasp and jumprings
• Hot glue gun
• Mod Podge (matte or gloss)
• Flat paint brush
• Wire utility brush

Watch the YouTube video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Instructions with Photos

1. Note: The photos in this tutorial starts with one row already done. Start by cutting your center strings. 18 inches will be generous. You can go with a wide variety of string counts, but I find that 5-6 center strings is a good “happy medium” for this – considering the fringe on the side.

Line up your strings at the top and tape them together.

Cut your running strings: you’ll need about 60-70 (so 10-12 each of six colors let’s say) and 6-8 inches long.

2. Note: I ALWAYS work “in the air” holding my bracelet in my hands. You might want to work on a clipboard or surface for this one even if you usually work like this but I will show you how to do it so that you can still do it in the air.

Take your first knotting string. Hold it against the first center string about an inch from the end of the knotting string. Your first knot’s position on the center strings doesn’t matter – you can slide it up!

3. Start with your first forward hitch. You’re totally holding it in position now – nothing is really knotted.

4. Create your second forward hitch to complete a forward knot and tighten it.

You should have about an inch of fringe on the left – or whatever you needed to work comfortably.

5. Gently slide that knot up to the top of your string – right below the previous row of knots or right below the tape if it’s your first row.

6. Now you can comfortably continue knotting forward knots around each of your center strings (remember, a forward knot is two forward hitches.) These will be much easier than the first one in the row.

7. Complete this process with a new string for each row. If you cut your knotting strings too long, you might get annoyed by the fringe – you can trim them back a little as you go along.

8. When your bracelet is long enough – taking into account the clasp – flip it over. Spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge on the back, getting it into the edge of the knot but avoiding the fringe as much as you can.

9. To trim it evenly, line up a piece of washi tape in the width you want your fringe (go THIN) along the edge of your work, over the fringe. Do it as best as you can – it might not stick perfectly, but it’ll help guide you.

10. Flip it over so that you see the fringe and the real side, and straighten out the fringe as needed.

11. I recommend cutting from the “real” side, using the washi tape as a guide. This way, you can see what you’re doing and avoid the risk of ruining your bracelet.

12. Do this on both sides and remove the tape.

13. Take a wire brush and gently brush out the fringe to give it a more polished look.

Finish it off however you’d like – learn how to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet for a super polished look!

Your rag rug friendship bracelet is complete! Don’t you just love this pattern? Which is your favorite friendship bracelet to make? Comment below!

Yield: 1

DIY Rag Rug Friendship Bracelets

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $5

Craft a rag rug friendship bracelet using this pattern and step by step tutorial!

Print

Materials

• Embroidery floss
• Detail Scissors
• Optional: mounting putty
• Very narrow washi tape
• Decent quality masking tape
• Ribbon crimps
• Pliers
• Clasp and jumprings
• Hot glue gun
• Mod Podge (matte or gloss)
• Flat paint brush
• Wire utility brush

Instructions

1. Start by cutting your center strings. 18 inches will be generous. You can go with a wide variety of string counts, but I find that 5-6 center strings is a good "happy medium" for this - considering the fringe on the side.

Line up your strings at the top and tape them together.

Cut your running strings: you'll need about 60-70 (so 10-12 each of six colors let's say) and 6-8 inches long.

2. Note: I ALWAYS work "in the air" holding my bracelet in my hands. You might want to work on a clipboard or surface for this one even if you usually work like this but I will show you how to do it so that you can still do it in the air.

Take your first knotting string. Hold it against the first center string about an inch from the end of the knotting string. Your first knot's position on the center strings doesn't matter - you can slide it up!

3. Start with your first forward hitch. You're totally holding it in position now - nothing is really knotted.

4. Create your second forward hitch to complete a forward knot and tighten it.

You should have about an inch of fringe on the left - or whatever you needed to work comfortably.

5. Gently slide that knot up to the top of your string - right below the previous row of knots or right below the tape if it's your first row.

6. Now you can comfortably continue knotting forward knots around each of your center strings (remember, a forward knot is two forward hitches.) These will be much easier than the first one in the row.

7. Complete this process with a new string for each row. If you cut your knotting strings too long, you might get annoyed by the fringe - you can trim them back a little as you go along.

8. When your bracelet is long enough - taking into account the clasp - flip it over. Spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge on the back, getting it into the edge of the knot but avoiding the fringe as much as you can.

9. To trim it evenly, line up a piece of washi tape in the width you want your fringe (go THIN) along the edge of your work, over the fringe. Do it as best as you can - it might not stick perfectly, but it'll help guide you.

10. Flip it over so that you see the fringe and the real side, and straighten out the fringe as needed.

11. I recommend cutting from the "real" side, using the washi tape as a guide. This way, you can see what you're doing and avoid the risk of ruining your bracelet.

12. Do this on both sides and remove the tape.

13. Take a wire brush and gently brush out the fringe to give it a more polished look.

Notes

One of the coolest perks of making rag rug friendship bracelets: you can use up your scraps!

I sealed the entire back of my project with Mod Podge for durability. It stiffens the bracelet a bit, giving it more body than you might be used to with friendship bracelets.

For bracelets like this one, I hands-down prefer the ribbon crimp and clasp method.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Rag Rug Friendship Bracelet Pattern appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I love using the texture of knots to create pattern variations and this flip flop friendship bracelet does just that! This popular design is similar to my horizontal stripe friendship bracelets, however it’s made quite differently.

On this one, you have a diagonal stripe. It’s essentially a twist on the candy stripe friendship bracelet, with a slight modification to make the cool textured row: instead of working each color once across and move it on to the next, you flip it over, work it again, and then flip it over and knot again.

Because you’re alternating showing the front “stitch” side of the knot and the back “wrap” side of the knot, you get this super cool texture.

The flip flop friendship bracelet is an easy, fun, cheerful pattern. There’s something about the diagonal stripes, with an edge that forms a kind of zig zag, that makes it a cheerful pattern – regardless of which colors you choose! But I like to add my own twist to things, so I made this one my favorite way… using graduated colors for an ombre look!

To best accomplish this, you can either head in-store and buy open stock floss, or, just get a big package with lots of color options.

Now to be clear, these are not gradient threads – these are colors that I chose in different shades of the same color to give it a beautiful look. I’ve shared ombre bracelets in the past that had a 3D effect – like my most popular zig zag friendship bracelet that looks like a ribbon, and the diamond friendship bracelet that looks like two ribbons.

This one doesn’t necessarily create a 3D effect, but if you choose a strong gradient (like my red and green test samples) you get quite the drama!

The flip flop friendship bracelets can be made with any number of colors, and wider or narrower. The sweet spot will be 5-8 strings (you can repeat colors to do a simpler palette) to showcase the beautiful texture, without curling like on excessively wide bracelets.

Finally, you can choose to finish off your flip flop friendship bracelets using any method you choose but my favorite will definitely be a clasp! You can learn how to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet here and explore more ways to start and finish a friendship bracelet too.

Supplies and String Cut Sizes

• Embroidery floss. For 6 strand bracelets: cut 6×40 inch strands, or double over 3×80 inch strands
• Thread snips
• Optional: clipboard. Make sure to get one with a flat edge that’ll hold your threads in place.
• Optional: Ribbon crimps and hot glue OR cord ends, clasps

How to make a flip flop friendship bracelet – Step by Step

If you prefer, you can watch the full-length YouTube video here. Or scroll for a full written tutorial:

The rule: you are making ONLY left-to-right forward knots on every row.

1. Arrange your strings in the order in which you’d like them to appear.

2. Forward knot your leftmost string around the one to its right. To recap: a forward knot means you’re knotting left to right TWICE.

Pull it tight.

3. Repeat this forward knot around every other color until the leftmost string takes the rightmost position.

4. Now, flip your bracelet over so that you see the back of it. Your working thread – the one you just used – is now your leftmost again.

5. Forward knot it around every other string individually until once again it’s at the rightmost position – and at its starting point.

6. Flip your bracelet back over to the front.

7. Now repeat the first row you did: forward knot the leftmost string around every other one until it reaches the rightmost position. You’re finished with this color for now and have completed a round.

8. Now work with your NEW leftmost string – the one you started off with as second from left.

9. Repeat the process. Forward knot it around every string. Flip over your bracelet to the back. Forward knot it around every string. Flip your bracelet back to the front. And forward knot it again around every one, finishing this color, with the working thread now in the rightmost position.

10. Repeat this process with every color and continue until your flip flop friendship bracelet has reached the desired length! Finish off as desired.

You’ve successfully learned how to follow the flip flop friendship bracelet pattern. Which bracelet should I teach next? Comment below!

Yield: 1

How to Make Flip Flop Friendship Bracelets

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

Flip Flop bracelets are easy to make and a variation on the classic Candy Stripe Bracelet. The only difference: you are alternating which side you're knotting on by flipping it over twice for each color round!

The rule: you are making ONLY left-to-right forward knots on every row.

Each color is used for three rows before switching.

Follow these rules and htis is one of the easiest friendship bracelets you'll make!

Print

Materials

• Embroidery floss. For 6 strand bracelets: cut 6x40 inch strands, or double over 3x80 inch strands
• Thread snips
• Optional: clipboard. Make sure to get one with a flat edge that'll hold your threads in place.
• Optional: Ribbon crimps and hot glue OR cord ends, clasps

Instructions

1. Arrange your strings in the order in which you'd like them to appear.
2. Forward knot your leftmost string around the one to its right. To recap: a forward knot means you're knotting left to right TWICE. Pull it tight.
3. Do this around each of the colors to its right. Flip over your bracelet so that your working string is back on the left.
4. Forward knot it around each string to its right.
5. Flip over so that your working string is back on the left. Knot again around every string to its left. You should have three rows of this color now - one with the back of the knots facing (the flat side) and two with the front raised side (the stitch). The working string is now on the right. Don't flip.
6. Repeat with the newest leftmost string.
7. Repeat with every color until you're happy with the length of your bracelet.

Notes

• Finish off with braids, a clasp, or however you'd like.
• Color choice is everything! I like to go with different shades of the same color for a gradated effect.
• These stack beautifully, and are wearable with "real" jewelry especially if you finish it off with a real clasp!
• My recommendation is to do a minimum of five strands for this (it'll be four knots wide). It looks even nicer with six, and the sweet spot is 6-8.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Flip Flop Friendship Bracelet Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I’ve shared in the past how to start and finish friendship bracelets, but people have been asking me much more specifically when they see one of my designs with a clasp how to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet.

I decided it’s about time I share my really easy technique for doing this.

Why you want to put clasps on your friendship bracelets

Unlike the attitude when we were kids, as an adult I appreciate the art of knotting these bracelets. While it might seem like a basic craft – you’re just tying knots – you can really get artsy with it (and you’ll want to check out these diamond friendship bracelets to see what I mean), and making a really nice pattern does require some skill.

Plus, you can actually get quite sophisticated with your patterns (see my buffalo check bracelet pattern.)

Closing off your friendship bracelets with a clasp gives it a polished “real jewelry” look. It upgrades it from a childhood nostalgia look, or a hippie casual vibe, to a sophisticated textile-focused accessory.

Even more so, closing your friendship bracelet with a clasp means it’s easy to take on and off. That means that you can swap it out and match it to outfits. It also means that you can treat your artwork like it deserves to be treated: taking it off for showers, swimming, baking, etc. It’ll last much longer.

And finally, learning how to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet will allow you to offer a superior consumer product if you are selling your art.

This is something I learned the hard way, years ago, when I was a teen, and wanted to sell my bracelets. There is a cap price that people will spend on a friendship bracelet. The possibilities for something that presents more as a fiber art textured piece are much greater.

Think about it this way: if you spend two hours knotting a bracelet, and you can double the price by closing it with a clasp, why would you NOT do it?

How to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet

Supplies needed

• Finished bracelet – you can find some of my favorite friendship bracelet patterns for beginners here!
• Hot glue gun (adults only). I share my best hot glue guns for crafts here. For bracelets I’ve been using the Surebonder from the list as it’s got the best fine tip. You do want to use hot glue over other glues as it sits on the surface and forms a rubber “grip”. It also works really well with porous surfaces like embroidery floss, and since you’re cutting really close to your knots, you need it to be secure.
• Detail scissors
• Jewelry pliers – primarily chain nose and round nose.
• Ribbon crimps: Make sure these are wide enough to cover the width of your bracelet generously, but without too much overage that’ll look silly. For narrow bracelet patterns (such as the daisy chain friendship bracelet) use cord ends instead with the same technique.
• Clasp, jumpring, and connector (such as jumpring or short length of cable chain)

Process and tutorial

Watch the YouTube video if you prefer to learn that way:

This tutorial is being demonstrated on my ombre chevron friendship bracelet.

1. You can start your bracelet by gluing across the strings in order, by knotting them, or by taping them together. For this tutorial, I just knotted my strings at the start. Then, glue across the top knots using a hot glue gun. When it’s dry/cooled, flip over and do the same on the back. Also glue on the sides of the bracelet in that same spot. This serves both to hold your knots at the top, forming a barrier AND to serve as a grip for your ribbon crimp.

2. Glue the second side as well. Trim your strings right up against the glued bits after all glue has dried.

3. Attach your ribbon crimps to each end, over the glued part. Make sure it’s wide enough to cover the full width of your bracelet for a fully professional look and for security (the one I used in the tutorial is too narrow.)

4. Attach a jump ring and then a clasp to the ribbon crimp on one end. On the other, attach a few jump rings, or a small length of cable chain that’s thin enough for the clasp to close around.

That is all! You’ve mastered how to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet – and I’ll bet you won’t be doing it any other way!

How to Put a Clasp on a Friendship Bracelet

Print

Materials

• Finished bracelet
• Hot glue gun
• Detail scissors
• Jewelry pliers - primarily chain nose and round nose.
• Ribbon crimps: Make sure these are wide enough to cover the width of your bracelet generously, but without too much overage that'll look silly. For narrow bracelet patterns (such as the daisy chain friendship bracelet) use cord ends instead with the same technique.
• Clasp, jumpring, and connector (such as jumpring or short length of cable chain)

Instructions

1. You can start your bracelet by gluing across the strings in order, by knotting them, or by taping them together. For this tutorial, I just knotted my strings at the start. Then, glue across the top knots using a hot glue gun. When it's dry/cooled, flip over and do the same on the back. Also glue on the sides of the bracelet in that same spot. This serves both to hold your knots at the top, forming a barrier AND to serve as a grip for your ribbon crimp.

2. Glue the second side as well. Trim your strings right up against the glued bits after all glue has dried.

3. Attach your ribbon crimps to each end, over the glued part. Make sure it's wide enough to cover the full width of your bracelet for a fully professional look and for security (the one I used in the tutorial is too narrow.)

4. Attach a jump ring and then a clasp to the ribbon crimp on one end. On the other, attach a few jump rings, or a small length of cable chain that's thin enough for the clasp to close around.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post How to put a clasp on a friendship bracelet appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I love playing around with and tweaking friendship bracelet designs. You may have created and even experimented with making chevron friendship bracelet patterns – in fact, it’s one of the easiest beginner bracelets to try!

However, getting a good ombre on a chevron isn’t as easy as other patterns – such as the zig zag friendship bracelet that produces a 3D effect, or the diamond friendship bracelet that does the same. For a super cool ombre chevron friendship bracelet you want a smooth blend – otherwise it just looks like stacked colors.

Today I’m sharing the simple trick for blending your Chevron and giving it that smooth ombre. But even cooler: I’m teaching you how to make it look crochet.

And while the chevron on this bracelet might not be so visible, it’s there. You’re getting a vertical blend and so your colors are not delineating the chevron. It’s in the knot pattern.

But the coolest trick here is in the double knots. Each knot is repeated. So you end up with a small gap between knots that create a mock crochet look that is just so upgraded and cool.

Tips for making an ombre chevron friendship bracelet

Ready to get this thing right from the start? Read through these tips for success in making a cool crochet-vibe ombre chevron friendship bracelet!

Choosing your colors

Know me yet? If not, hi! I’m Menucha and my hobby is color!

If you’ve been following along, you’d know my trick for super cool looking friendship bracelets is getting that color selection down pat.

There are two ways to ombre – one is by choosing a single color and going darker and/or lighter.

The other is by slowly adding another analogous color – one that is adjacent on the color wheel.

It doesn’t really matter what those colors are, but we started with Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2024 – Peach Fuzz – and worked from there.

A word about tension

A big part of any friendship bracelet making is tension – that is, how tight you pull your knots. If you keep an even tension, you’ll have nice, even knots. If your tension is all over the place, you might have some puffier and some flatter. For that reason, the best bracelets are often those made in a single sitting (although it’s not a must.

When making these ombre chevron friendship bracelets using double knots for a faux crochet look, you’ll find that inconsistencies in tension show up more. That is because they influence both the knot itself and the gap that it forms. So try your best to keep things even.

Adding beads

I love crafting beaded friendship bracelets, and while I hope to dedicate a post to just that one day, I did want to highlight it on this tutorial.

Adding beads to more sophisticated friendship bracelet designs really makes them more upscale. However, on this one, it really adds a gorgeous touch, above and beyond others I’ve made. In fact, it layers beautifully with real jewelry, adding some color to your wrist.

I tried it two ways. On one, I added it to the outer strings. I made sure to add my beads to the same level of knot to keep it even.

On the other, I added it to the center row. This was impossible to keep perfectly centered. The choice was to either have it all off center to one direction or switching which direction it leans to. I switched off.

Once you make one of these, you definitely won’t want to stop. It is so satisfying, and comes together quicker than similar bracelets because of the gaps in the design.

How to make ombre chevron friendship bracelets

This bracelet knots almost like a classic Chevron friendship bracelet with two differences:

• You’re making forward/backward knots to keep the colors in place, forming the vertical blend.
• You’re doubling each knot set to form gaps in the knots.

Know your knots

To make this bracelet, you’ll want to know how to do the following knots. If you don’t yet know how to do these knots, learn how to make a friendship bracelet from scratch first.

Forward backward knot

Each knot is made of two hitches. In the forward backward knot, you first knot the string on the left around the one on the right and tighten. Then you knot it back around the same string, from right to left, and tighten. The original knotting string ends up in the same position that it started in. This is one knot.

If I say a double forward backward knot, it means you’re doing this twice.

Backward forward knot

The same exact thing, only you’re starting with the string on the right and knotting around the one on the left.

Supplies

• Embroidery floss 3-5 colors. Cut 1x 72 inches each (they will be folded over, center can be a little shorter.) Colors used here:
  • Hot Peach 3340
  • Primrose 727
  • Soft Peach 19
  • Shrimp 722
  • Salmon 352
  • Coral 351  
• Thread snips
• Optional: 3-4mm round metal spacer beads

To finish it off with a clasp (optional)

• Ribbon crimps
• Lobster jaw clasp and jump rings
• Jewelry pliers
• Hot glue gun

Video Tutorial

Here’s a full-length narrated video of the process if you prefer to follow along with that:

Step by Step

Ignore what I already did in the photos…

1. Start by folding your strings in half and knotting them together at the fold to form a loop. Or, refer to how to start and finish a friendship bracelet. Arrange your strings in order – either from darkest to lightest or lightest to darkest.

The two on the outside should be the same, the two next to the outside ones should be the same, etc, until you reach the center. The center two should be the same.

2. Take the left strand. Forward backward knot it around the string right next to it.

It’ll land back into its original position.

Repeat the same exact forward backward knot.

3. Take the second string from the left. Forward backward knot it around the one to its right. Then do it again. If making one with more than three colors, complete this until you’ve knotted all besides for the center two.

4. Repeat in the reverse on the right side. Backward forward knot the right string twice around the one to its left. Do this twice. Repeat with the second to right, and continue until you’ve knotted all besides for the center.

5. Now forward backward knot the center one around itself – and repeat!

Repeat these steps until your bracelet is complete! And if you’d like to finish it off professionally, learn how to add a clasp to a friendship bracelet.

If adding beads, simply slide them up on the embroidery floss before knotting that one.

How to Make Ombre Chevron Friendship Bracelets

Print

Materials

• 3-5 colors of embroidery floss
• Thread snips
• Optional: 3-4mm round metal spacer beads
• Finishing off with clasps: Ribbon crimps, lobster jaw clasp and jump rings, jewelry pliers, and a hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Start by folding your strings in half and knotting them together at the fold to form a loop. Or, refer to how to start and finish a friendship bracelet. Arrange your strings in order - either from darkest to lightest or lightest to darkest.

The two on the outside should be the same, the two next to the outside ones should be the same, etc, until you reach the center. The center two should be the same.

2. Take the left strand. Forward backward knot it around the string right next to it. It'll land back into its original position. Repeat the same exact forward backward knot.

3. Take the second string from the left. Forward backward knot it around the one to its right. Then do it again. If making one with more than three colors, complete this until you've knotted all besides for the center two.

4. Repeat in the reverse on the right side. Backward forward knot the right string twice around the one to its left. Do this twice. Repeat with the second to right, and continue until you've knotted all besides for the center.

5. Now forward backward knot the center one around itself - and repeat!

Repeat these steps until your bracelet is complete!

Notes

Adding beads:

Adding beads to more sophisticated friendship bracelet designs really makes them more upscale. However, on this one, it really adds a gorgeous touch, above and beyond others I've made. In fact, it layers beautifully with real jewelry, adding some color to your wrist.

I tried it two ways. On one, I added it to the outer strings. I made sure to add my beads to the same level of knot to keep it even.

On the other, I added it to the center row. This was impossible to keep perfectly centered. The choice was to either have it all off center to one direction or switching which direction it leans to. I switched off.

Did you make this project?

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